A generalized form of the extraction constant for the partition of a metal chelate between immiscible aqueous and organic phases

The theory underlying the partition of sparingly soluble reagents and their formally neutral metal chelates between an aqueous phase and any immisicible organic phase leads to a generalized extraction constant K^*_ex=K_exSⁿ_r,0/S_c,o where K_ex is the conventional extraction constant and S_r,oS_c,o are the molar solubilities of reagent and metal complex, respectively, in the same organic solvent. The predicted constancy of K^*_ex is confirmed for measurements in seven solvents and for systems involving mono-, di- and tridithizonates of Ag⁺, Zn²⁺ and Bi³⁺, respectively.